I used to be so concerned with what I was doing every day and all the things that used to occupy my time, energy and focus.

I worried about all the tasks I had to get done and I thought to be happy, I needed to get everything accomplished as fast as possible.

Turns out, doing all the things super fast and packing my days with work, projects and things only made me unhappy.

I lived every day just going from one thing to the next and somewhere along the way, I stopped living.

I couldn’t see the beauty all around me because I was rushing to conquer the world..

Only, I never seemed to get everything done, and the more I did, the more that there was left to do.

So I did what I had to do and I stepped back and took a hard look at my life.

I thought I was getting ahead when really, I was just surviving..

Jumping from one task to the next and never coming up for air or slowing down to enjoy my life.

I’m done living moment to moment any more.

I’m putting away the lists, the plans and the drive to get everything done as fast as possible.

Sure, I’m going to keep doing the things that need to get done, that’s just life.

Now, though, I’m going to do what I should have always been doing.

I’m going to live and fall in love with being alive every day.

I’m going to be present in the moments that make up my life.

I’m going to see all the wonder and joy that I’ve been missing as I rushed through my days.

The stress and hurry isn’t making me happier, it’s doing just the opposite.

I don’t need more stuff, I need more beautiful memories..

And I’ll never be able to appreciate those moments that turn into memories if I’m constantly stressed about what I need to do or what’s next on my list.

So, I’m stepping back and taking a deep breath.

I’m going to do what I can, when I can, how I can and let the chips fall where they may.

I’m going to experience all the joys I’ve been overlooking.

Feel the wind on my face, the rain pattering down, the wet nose kisses of a puppy, the hug of a loved one..all the things I should have been immersing myself in all along.

It’s time to stop existing and start living.

I don’t know what tomorrow brings, but I do know that now, I’ll soak in the beauty of today..

And I won’t miss a thing of what truly matters:

Life, love and happiness,

Just the way I’ve always wanted.

|ravenwolf